Millions of sweet animals are euthanized every year,
relinquished by people who promised to provide for them throughout their lives.
When you adopt an animal at a shelter, you sign a contract to that effect. The
vow is understood when paperwork isn't involved and you plunk down your money.

You shouldn't be tossing your pet at every bump in the road.
You fawn over your family, service your car, take your clothes to the cleaners
-- why would anyone think that pets don't require investment? Every pet provides
challenges -- tackling them hones your problem-solving skills and strengthens
the bond between you.

Giving of yourself to save an animal is spiritually uplifting
and brings you closer to the Divine.

Most shelter returns come with an accusation of misbehavior,
said Alyssa. Daisy was accused of chewing. Dogs do chew. Another pooch was
brought back after two years -- for pottying in the house. Guilty or not, I hear
the same songs every day from people who want to lighten their load.

Not the animal's fault

``The No. 1 reason people get rid of animals, the truth is
usually this animal is a pain and they can't deal with it anymore,'' said animal
behavior consultant Ken McCort of Doylestown. ``It's not the animal's fault.

``A lot of times when people want to re-home a pet, it's a
behavior problem,'' he said. ``If the dog is well-behaved, a friend or neighbor
will want it. Owners need to be honest with whoever gets the animal about what
the problems are. If they don't know what they're dealing with, it becomes a
vicious cycle until somebody is willing to fix the problem.''

In that case, you have three options, said McCort: Fix the
problem, find someone else who will fix it, or if the animal is dangerous, put
it down.

``People who are really good at re-homing animals work through
the problems with positive means,'' said McCort. ``When the dog is relocated,
the behavior change must go with him.''

That means training and practice, after a thorough going-over
by the vet to make sure there are no physical issues. Affordable training is
available at PetsMart (330-922-4114) and local breed clubs, such as All-Breed
Training Club of Akron (330-630-0418). Pet owners can read up on the topic at
their local library or even ask the neighborhood shelter for support.

Rescue workers will usually warn prospective families when an
animal has a dark history. I adopted my sheltie-border collie mutt Emily from
the Humane Society of Greater Akron in 2000. The adoption counselor warned me
she had been returned for biting her previous benefactor. I pooh-poohed the
incident, but Emily did have issues. A trainer helped us through the adjustment
period, a couple of months, worth every inch of effort. Forgive the cliche, but
my dog is my best friend.

``A really good shelter usually finds out what the problems
are and deals with them'' before they go home with anyone, said McCort. Most
hills are climbable.

The Internet should not be overlooked as a troubleshooting
resource. If you don't have a computer, hit the library. The Humane Society of
the U.S. (www.hsus.org) gives good advice on common pet behavior problems and
issues, including renting and allergies.

How to find a new home

If you have absolutely no choice, here's how to find a new
home for your animal.

• Know that finding a good home for your pet will be a project
that could take many months. Take your time and don't settle for second best.
This decision will be part of your personal legacy, your karma.

• Call the shelters to see if room is available, but keep in
mind you probably won't get a yes. If you do, your pet may be warehoused
indefinitely because of overpopulation. It might be better to shoulder the
burden yourself.

• Think about what type of environment your animal would do
best in and place him in that type of a home, said Darcy Fiocca, also of Paws
and Prayers. She adopted her baby boy, Eddie, from Guatemala, and her dog Fonzie
from a shelter. Dogs and babies are doable, she said. If your pet is nervous
around children, don't send it to a home with kids.

• Talk to your friends, neighbors, colleagues, relatives and
church associates. Explain the animal's foibles as well as endearments. Flash
photos.

• Place notices on bulletin boards in veterinarian offices and
in shelters. Place an ad in the newspaper. Do NOT give the animal free. People
value what they pay for, and organizers of dog fights have been known to pick up
animals this way.

• Anticipate hurdles. Your goal is to make the new home stick.

• Consider seniors who might not be able to afford a pet, but
are up to the task. A subsidy could work like a charm.

• Reconsider this decision. Pets bestow a sense of well-being
and belonging to adults and kids alike.

When Daisy feasted her eyes on Alyssa once again, she looked
like the happiest dog in the world, she said.

Readers will find a description of Daisy on the Internet at
www.petfinder.org ; click on rescues, then Paws and Prayers,

``She has a lot of love and trust. She'll transfer that love
to her new family,'' said Alyssa.